"Adrian Lewis kept saying Josh Rock was in hospital because he hurt his back carrying me" – Daryl Gurney fired up by 'Jackpot' banter at European Championship

Daryl Gurney joked that a bit of cheeky banter from Adrian Lewis has helped reignite his fire at the 2025 European Championship — and judging by his gritty win over Ross Smith in Dortmund, the Northern Irishman’s competitive spark is burning brighter than it has in years.

The Derry man’s victory alongside Rock was one of the stories of the darting summer, and the camaraderie between the pair clearly runs deep. “Honestly, it didn’t change much straight away,” he smiled in conversation with Dartsnews.com and others afterwards. “I played the week after and then did exhibitions with Adrian Lewis. He kept telling everyone Josh had to ring him from hospital because his back was sore from carrying me! I got Adrian back, though — told everyone the last time Adrian played with Phil Taylor, Phil had to retire! But yeah, Adrian’s a top bloke and I think he’ll come back strong.”

“Me and Josh just clicked. Two years ago, he just missed out and I played with Brendan [Dolan]. Then last year, I missed out and he played with Brendan. So it was three years in the making, really. We both believed we could win it.”

It’s been a long, uneven road back towards his best form, but the 38-year-old is finally stringing together the kind of results that once made him one of the most feared players on the circuit. His 10–6 win over Smith wasn’t pretty, but it was full of fight — the kind of match that reminded everyone how much grit still lives under that calm exterior.

“It was a bit of a struggle in the first five legs, to be honest,” Gurney admitted. “I was really struggling with how cold it was up there. I never put my hand in my pocket, and I was freezing. Normally I’d never do that. I think Ross felt it a bit as well — we were both battling the conditions.”

Despite the chill, Gurney raced into a 4–1 lead at the first interval but insisted the scoreline could easily have gone the other way. “He could just as easily have been 4–1 up. I was lucky in that way. Not sure Ross was as cold as I was, mind you.”

He was quick to admit his level wasn’t where he wanted it. “Bit disappointing really. Still, 92 average against a 109 from Gian [van Veen] in practice earlier — he’s a future world champion for me. But I know I’ve got a lot more to offer.”

Gurney said he only began to feel truly comfortable after the second break. “I think we’re getting there. I was hitting 180s for fun, and once I relaxed, I felt much more in control. If he hit a 140, I’d reply with a 180. If he hit a 180, I’d come back with a 140. Once I settled, I was matching him.”

“I feel like there’s so much more in the tank,” he said. “Today wasn’t my top level, definitely not. I only really started to relax after the second break. Once I settled, I could play freely again — and when I do that, I know I can hurt anyone.”

For years, Gurney was known as one of the sport’s most emotional players — fiery, animated, and often at his best when furious. That era, he insists, is over.

“I don’t think I can get to that angry place anymore,” he said. “It’s just too mentally draining. I could probably do it for a few legs, but then I’d burn out. In the middle of the World Cup, I just thought, ‘Right, stop overthinking and just throw.’ Get the arm up, throw smooth, none of the stupid stuff I sometimes do.”

That calmer mindset, he feels, helped him through against Smith. “Our doubles weren’t great at the start, but halfway through they came good. You nick a leg here, a leg there, put your opponent under pressure, and sometimes you just fall over the line. That’s basically what happened.”

Asked about the cold conditions, Gurney said he wouldn’t be resorting to hand warmers any time soon. “No, I won’t. I’ve never done that. I’ll just go up there and hope it’s a bit warmer tomorrow,” he smiled. “I played here two years ago against Gerwyn Price and there was actually wind on stage — I struggled more with that and lost. So I’d rather it was cold than windy!”

Then came the punchline: “If it’s like this tomorrow, I’ll probably struggle again early on, get annoyed with myself, get angry — as Phil Taylor says — and then I’ll warm up. I’m only warm now because I’m fuming with how I played!”

Sunday’s final day in Dortmund features quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final all played in one marathon session — but Gurney knows the drill.

“Yeah, it’s similar to the Players Championship Finals,” he said. “Everyone’s fresh for that first game, so that’s usually the hardest. You’ve got to be ready — know when to eat, when to switch on for the semi-final or final later. The good thing is I don’t feel like I’ve spent much energy today. I’ll be fresh tomorrow… though knowing the PDC, I'll probably be put on first!”

Gurney’s been a semi-finalist at the European Championship twice before, in 2017 and 2019, and he thinks his maturity now gives him a different kind of edge. “The player back then was better than the one standing in front of you now,” he admitted. “But the standard overall is higher these days. I know Rob Cross beat me in one of them — not sure who beat me in the other. You tell me! Do your research, man.”

He grinned before adding: “I practised so well today that it gives me belief I’ll turn up tomorrow. The 2017–19 version of me might’ve hit more 180s, but the player I am now has more composure and is a better finisher. Hopefully I can find the balance between the two.”

And if his sense of humour and belief are anything to go by, Gurney’s enjoying the game again — and that makes him dangerous.